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Honey is a natural type of food that is widely accepted as very nutritious, delicious and even medicinal. There are various types of honey, based on different regions in the world, and manuka honey is one of them. This is a type of honey found in New Zealand from the bees that usually pollinate in the native bush of manuka. It is said to treat a number of wound infections and a number of various other conditions.

How is Manuka Honey different from the others

In the late 19th century, researchers were able to discover that honey had natural antibacterial properties. Honey helps in protecting against bacterial damage by stimulating the production of some special cells that help in repairing the tissues damaged by infections. It also has anti-inflammatory action that helps in reducing inflammation and pain once applied. However, all honey is not the same as the antibacterial quality in honey depends on the type, how and when it was harvested. There are some types of honey that are more potent than others over 1000 times.

Honey has many compounds, one of which is hydrogen peroxide. A compound that is responsible for the strong antibacterial and antifungal traits of the honey. This, however, is not the only special attribute that honeys have.
Manuka honey, and other types of honey, come with other different components that increase their antibacterial qualities. The other antibacterial component in this honey is the methylglyoxal (MGO), a compound found in other types of honey but in small quantities. MGO is usually formed as a result of dihydroxyacelone, which is found in the manuka flower’s nectar in high concentrations. MGO thus increases the antibacterial power of the honey from manuka.

What is UMF and MGO Ratings

The Unique Manuka Factor or UMF is the only recognized worldwide standard in measuring and identifying the antibacterial quality or strength of Manuka strains. It is usually a guarantee that honey sold meets the special UMF antibacterial property. A UMF rating of 10 is usually the recognized minimum. There are UMF strengths that vary like UMF 10+, UMF12+, UMF15+, UMF 20+. The higher the UMF rating a honey has then the more expensive it gets. Manuka honey is usually packed in jars bearing the UMF registered trademark and has ratings of above UMF 5.

There are other established certified trademarks and measurements of the amazing antibacterial activity found in the New Zealand honey. An example is the MGO or the Methylglyoxal rating. A bottle of Manuka MGO 400 is usually equivalent to UMF 10+ while MGO 800 is also equal to UMF 20+. To better familiarize yourself, read some manuka honey reviews and find out what best fits your diet and your wallet.

Antibacterial Properties of Manuka

In 1981, researchers based at New Zealand University of Waikato found out that Manuka honey has a high level of enzymes than the regular honey. The enzymes then work in creating natural hydrogen peroxide which acts as an antibacterial.
There are some strains that are rich in methylglyoxal, hydrogen peroxide and dihydroxyacetone. This medical trilogy forms the UMF that is a standard to measure and identify the antibacterial strength of the Manuka. UMF Manuka is different from other varieties of Manuka as it contains both natural hydrogen peroxide and UMF antibacterial property that enhances the effectiveness it possesses. The properties are also very stable and cannot be easily destroyed by light, heat and enzymes present in the body like the hydrogen peroxide found in honey.

Manuka honey is usually effective when used atop leg ulcers and wounds as it is effective in promoting healing and fighting infections. It is also used in treating diabetes, reduction of high cholesterol, treatment of cancer, ear, eye, sinus infections and gastrointestinal problems.

Everybody has to deal with stress it’s part of life and for the most part we cope with it just fine. There are both positive and negative triggers for stress, but either way you can generate a stress reaction and that will have an effect on your body and your health.

Stress Reactions

Stress reactions in the short term are there to help you cope with difficult situations. Hormones are released, your heart races and your breathing changes when you have a stress reaction. During this time your brain gets increased amounts of oxygen which is helps you cope with the immediate situation. In this case the stress reaction can help you function better. Over the long term repeated stress reactions can impact your overall health negatively. Here is a video explaining stress reactions.

Alleviating Stress

When you want to alleviate stress most think of things like massages, meditation, a glass of wine after dinner and long hot baths. Acupuncture isn’t really the first thing that comes to mind. However, acupuncture is thousands of years old and it has been used to treat many diseases and conditions. Anxiety, pain and of course stress are some of the things acupuncture has been used for.

Treating Stress with Acupuncture

Acupuncture is central to Traditional Chinese Medicine. They have used it for many centuries in treatments, most specifically the treatment of pain. If you have a fear of needles the idea of needles being placed in your skin may be stressful by itself. It actually isn’t painful and the needles are placed at the energy nodes of the body, they are put here to help relieve the blockages of your qi. Qi (actually pronounced chee) is the life energy of the body and connects you to everything. Plenty of high profile people use acupuncture for pain and stress management and to improve their overall health. It isn’t just celebrities everyday people have found benefits from acupuncture.

There is science to back up that acupuncture has an impact on the human body. Recent studies have shown that stress hormones are considerably diminished, but Doctors of Traditional Chinese Medicine have known this for a long time. There are even mental health clinics and rehab centers that make acupuncture part of the treatment options. If stress is a big part of your life then give acupuncture a try to see if it can lower your stress levels.

Nuts are one of the most versatile nuts on the planet and they should be a staple in everyone’s diet. They are quick sources of protein and fiber and you can throw them into smoothies, salads, baked goods and you can just have them as a snack on their own. They are good for satisfying cravings, especially in the late afternoon when energy wanes.

Here are the 6 nutritional powerhouses to add to your diet:

Walnuts

Walnuts are an excellent source of polyunsaturated fats at nearly 13 grams per serving. This is the good fat you need in your diet, it helps reduce the fat stored in your body and it helps improve your insulin metabolism. They can help counteract the fats in red meat and baked goods. You can throw them into salads, put them on top of your morning oatmeal or try your hand at homemade granola.

Brazil Nuts

Brazil nuts are the richest source of selenium, which is needed for regulating metabolism and keeping your immune system strong. You only need 2 Brazil nuts to get a full day worth of selenium. Not only that they also have zinc, potassium, magnesium and a bunch of other minerals. Throw this nutritional powerhouse into some yogurt or oatmeal.

Pistachios

If you are concerned with counting calories (you shouldn’t be) but pistachios are lower in calories than most other nuts and they will go further to satisfy your hungry. Loaded with manganese, calcium, copper, iron, vitamin E, antioxidants and the B-complex vitamins they should be a staple for every vegan or vegetarian diet.

Pecans

Again for the calorie counters pecans are higher in calories than most other nuts on the list so smaller portions might be necessary. The nutrient value more than makes up for it, they have more than 20 vitamins and minerals and they are high in antioxidants. Antioxidants help reduce the risk of many diseases including cancer and heart disease.

Almonds

Almonds are amazing, they have a ton of health benefits, they are packed full of protein and they don’t cost a fortune. They have the same protein content as walnuts and they have the added benefit of manganese. There have been several studies that show adding almonds to your diet can reduce the risk of heart disease. You can grab of them for a snack or add them to almost anything for some added protein. You can also use almond butter instead of peanut butter.

Cashews

These nuts are delicious and they are packed with vitamins and minerals. A one ounce serving is rich in Omega 3’s, and gives you a full day’s supply of iron, thiamine, zinc and magnesium.

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Honey is a natural type of food that is widely accepted as very nutritious, delicious and even medicinal. There are various types of honey, based on different regions in the world, and manuka honey is one of them. This is a type of honey found in New Zealand from the bees that usually pollinate in…

Everybody has to deal with stress it’s part of life and for the most part we cope with it just fine. There are both positive and negative triggers for stress, but either way you can generate a stress reaction and that will have an effect on your body and your health. Stress Reactions Stress reactions…

Nuts are one of the most versatile nuts on the planet and they should be a staple in everyone’s diet. They are quick sources of protein and fiber and you can throw them into smoothies, salads, baked goods and you can just have them as a snack on their own. They are good for satisfying…